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A sale of two cars

Once the seed of automotive change is sowed in the fertile ground of my imagination, there is just no holding back.

Fear not though, dear reader, lest you be concerned I have reduced the fleet size by two – I have simply traded one for a another. But before I spill the beans on the latest acquisition, I do need to set the scene.

A couple of weeks ago I went to test drive a Mazda RX-8. Consistent with my new policy of wanting to own interesting / iconic / unique etc. cars, I thought this would be fun and also a more comfortable way of effecting my weekly commute.

Fabulous car. Superb handling, quick, rev-tastic rotary engine spinning up to 9,250 rpm, well made, very comfortable and surprisingly spacious. Wacky rear suicide doors and a fully loaded spec meant it was very good value. Big Mike accompanied me on the test drive and we popped in to see Panther on our way – wanting to play on the lanes of the Lambourn Downs – purely in the interests of seeing what it could do you understand.

We were impressed. Clearly so was Mrs Panther as we received a text not 5 hours later confirming she had been down to the same Mazda garage and bought one! Panther himself suggested that next time I take a car for a test drive I don’t include their house on the route. (Mental note to self: test drive Porshe next time 😉

Anyway, what of my interest in the RX-8? Well…. still keen, but…. and it’s quite a big but. My other choice was a Jaguar XK-8. Nice coupe, good looking, comfy, quite quick, although a bit older. And I needed to drive one to be sure before I put my money on the Mazda.

I first drove a standard XK. Oh dear. What let down. Slow, stodgy, dull witted handling. A real disappointment and clearly not for me. The salesman said that I wanted something a with a bit more ‘go’ and that I should look at an XKR… but the only one he had in stock had a black interior – which is a no go for me too.

But they did have an XJR. Pacific Blue, Champagne leather and with a fully stamped up main dealer service history. And it is quick. 370 BHP. 390 lbft of torque. 5.3 seconds 0-60mph. Faster than my 911…..

And it is mine. Deal done, pick it up later this week.

Sorry to see the MINI go, but overall whilst I enjoyed it, it was too bouncy for my commute, where I would prefer something sporting, but more comfortable. Gratuituous pic below: